LSU heads to Nashville for a Saturday night contest at Vanderbilt at 6:30 p.m. The Tigers are looking to bounce back from a loss in their season opener against Mississippi State while the Commodores are also searching for a win after dropping their first game to Texas A&M.
Here’s 10 things to watch in Saturday’s matchup:
Will LSU’s offense start faster?
The Tigers first four drives in their 44-34 loss to Mississippi State ended with punts and only produced 26 total yards. LSU will look to get its offense rolling earlier as it faces a Vanderbilt defense that had a strong showing in Week 1. The Commodores held a Texas A&M, a team that scored 29.5 points per game last season, to just 17.
How will Myles Brennan play in his first start on the road?
Statistically, Brennan’s first start was a strong one as he threw for more than 300 yards and three touchdowns. He did, however, have two passes intercepted.
LSU head coach Ed Orgeron said Brennan was focused on getting better this week.
“He made some good throws, though, but he was inconsistent,” Orgeron said. “And obviously we gotta protect it. When Myles feels a little pressure, he wants to scramble outside, he's gotta sit in there. But, you know, sometimes he can't.
“He's trying to avoid -- so I think it all comes to the protection first, easy throws where he can make decisions, put our play makers in space, let them make plays, throw them the ball and take shots. And once we get that rhythm, we're going to be fine.”
Will LSU run the ball more?
Last weekend, the Tigers rushed for 125 yards on 38 total carries. Oregon said he wants to see LSU’s three top running backs, Chris Curry, Tyrion Davis-Price and John Emery Jr. get more involved this week.
“I think we need to run the football more, get them more carries and give them more touches out of the back field,” Orgeron said.
How will LSU’s offensive line play?
Brennan was sacked seven times against Mississippi State and Oregon said the group needs to improve its protection. LSU’s line could also be without starting tackle Dare Rosenthal as he didn’t practice this week.
Will Terrace Marshall’s fast start continue?
Marshall led LSU with eight receptions for 122 yards and two touchdowns. The junior started last season quickly as well and finished the year with 12 touchdown catches despite missing a few games with an injury.
Can LSU’s secondary improve?
The unit allowed an SEC record 623 passing yards in Week 1. That was without All-American cornerback Derek Stingley and with sophomore Jay Ward playing after not practicing in the weeks leading up to the game. Orgeron said he expects to see improvement from the unit.
How will Derek Stingley Jr. look?
The cornerback missed the season opener after being hospitalized with an illness last Friday. He returned to practice this week and Orgeron said the team plans to play him Saturday.
Will Tiger newcomers continue to impress?
Despite losing in the opener, LSU received impressive performances from its newcomers. Linebacker Jabril Cox had a pick-six, true freshman Elias Ricks also had an interception, freshman tight end Arik Gilbert scored a touchdown and JUCO transfer Ali Gaye had a sack and several pass break ups. Orgeron said he was impressed with Gaye’s performance.
“I think he is going to be a high pick, first, second, third round pick,” Orgeron said. “He's going to play in the NFL. He's got the size. Hopefully he stays for two years, don't get too good.”
Vanderbilt’s Donovan Kaufman
The Commodores played several freshmen in their season opener including former Rummel standout Donovan Kaufman. Kaufman was the MVP of the Division I championship game in December and made several plays in Vanderbilt's season opener.
Vanderbilt’s stadium
Last year, LSU fans invaded the Commodores stadium. But the atmosphere in Nashville will be very different this season due to COVId-19 restrictions.
